Baby, you can Vend whatever you like...

Vending machines are offly convenient. In an age where so many industries face the chopping block against technology, I can only foresee brighter horizons for vending machines. Instantaneous shopping for life's unexpected necessities and luxuries. We've all seen the basics...soda, snacks, candy, toys, cigarettes, etc. But many people don't realize just how trailblazing the field of automated vending actually is. It's not too unusual to find coffee, umbrellas, or even a hot dog inside a vending machine these days. Did you know that in California you can buy marijuana from a vending machine (for "medical" use only, of course)? And if those aren't surprising to you, well get ready for what's ahead. Mostly throughout Japan, vending machines are spreading faster than the plague and contain the most innovative contents. Here are some of my favorite items that one can obtain through the claw:

Hello Kitty Popcorn (served hot)
Generic Fried Foods
Pornography (Print & Video)
Eggs
Pet Supplies
Fishing Gear (including LIVE bait)
Toilet Paper
Lobsters (picture the claw game over a lobster tank)
USED panties
Hot Ramen Noodles
Rice
Flowers
Designer Condoms (i.e. United Colors of Benetton)
"Water Salad"
Rhinoceros Beetles
Dry Ice
Sex Toys
Pizza
Pregnancy Tests


It's nuts! So if you haven't already guessed, I started thinking of other "vend" opportunities. Here are just some of my suggestions:

Office supplies (I'm interning right now, give me a break)

Clothes (specifically ties, belts, graphic t's & hoodies (I feel like people would own more of these items this way, and you can never have too many)

Memorable Scents (campfire, new car, etc. - point is, if you're somewhere smelly this could be the answer)

Scooters (sometimes you just don't feel like walking anymore)

Funny Hats (sombreros, birthday cone-hats, beanies, top hats - the general public would just be happier, no?)

Pre-folded paper planes (if there's a calm wind, who wouldn't want to vicariously take flight through paper)

Balloon Animals (It's really more of a challenge to the industry...not only to have them contorted, but to vend without bust)

Grilled Cheese Sandwiches (It's just a nice treat I think the world needs more of)

Underwear, the clean and colorful kind (I know certain people, followers even, that will appreciate this)

Dare I say..Cupcakes.

Pics (because I know how often they get lost)

Live People (maybe we can set up a return policy here, and the machine would be rather large...but totally worth it if you need a friend)

Love (I know the Beatles say you can't buy it, but maybe just a hug?)

Corny Jokes (who wouldn't want to pick one up on the way to the office holiday party?)

Come-backs (You know it sucks when someone takes a stab at you and you've got nothing good to come back with. Well, just head to this machine and you'll have your sarcastic wit or tarnishing insult prepared for next time)


So now, I'd like for you to leave me with some of the items you'd love to see become vend-worthy...